There is truly nothing better than bringing along your furry friend for a day full of fun, and summertime offers some of the best pet-friendly activities in Grand Forks. Grab a leash and your furry friend and tag-along with me and my best friend Archie as we explore Grand Forks’s four-legged recreation.

1. Dog Parks

Looking to get the mid-day crazies out? The dog park is just the place to go when your pet needs to burn off some energy. Grand Forks has two public dog parks, one located at Lincoln Park and the other at Circle of Friends Humane Society. If you are looking for an upbeat park with lots of dogs, I would suggest Lincoln Dog Park. The dog park is split in two sections with one side reserved for larger dogs and the other for smaller pooches. If your dog prefers a calmer environment with fewer pals to play with, check out the Circle of Friends Humane Society dog park. Both parks are fun and inviting and will be sure to leave your dog tired and ready for a nap!

2. A Walk on the Greenway

It’s a Tuesday evening, the temperature hovers at a perfect 70 degrees and you need to get a little exercise in with your furry friend – a walk on the Greenway is just what the doctor ordered! The Greenway is a great option to get out of the house, not to mention it is easily accessible from many different locations throughout Grand Forks (including an access point by Lincoln Dog Park). The 21-mile paved path skirts the edges of the Red River, and offshoot trails provide exceptional opportunities for you and your dog to go adventuring together. Some areas, especially near entry points, see a lot of traffic from walkers, bikers, or rollerbladers, while others leave a little room for quiet moments in the heart of the city.

3. Doggy Daycare

Interaction with other dogs is one of the most important things you can do for your canine friend and doggy daycare serves up socialization opportunities galore. That’s right: Daycare for your dog. If boundless energy equates to your doggo’s personality, bringing them to a doggy daycare will not only give them a chance to interact with other dogs, but will also put them to sleep for the night. The Grand Forks region offers several local doggy daycares and I promise they won’t disappoint – Archie even said so!

4. Grand Forks Dog Training Club

When getting a pet, first comes manners, then comes tricks. At the Grand Forks Dog Training Club dog training classes teach your fluffball everything from obedience to agility and all the things in between. They even have classes for your dog to be a therapy dog, how cool?!

5. Patios

What better way to spend a nice sunny day than on a patio with your best friend? Some of my favorite pet-friendly patios include Half Brothers Brewery located in Downtown Grand Forks and Mike’s Pizza & Sub in East Grand Forks. Both establishments will be sure to welcome your furry friend with open arms and a bowl of water.

6. Turtle River State Park

Just a short drive away you can go on a pet-friendly day trip where your pups can splash through the water and take a hike through the trails. With multiple trail options, the park offers all-day adventure through mildly difficult terrain, or a short walk on a well-groomed trail. Adventure is just around the corner at Turtle River State Park.

7. Events at Treat Play Love

Who doesn’t love a good event dedicated to our pets? At Treat Play Love, a local pet store, they host monthly events and activities for owners and their pets in the Grand Forks Area. Some of the fun events they host include photo ops, dog-friendly treats, scavenger hunts, and more. I also highly recommend checking out this shop to spoil your friend after a long day of activities.

Now that Archie and I have made some suggestions, where are you going to take your furry friend next?